Machala Municipal Council to process resignation of Mayor Darío Macas

The Machala Municipal Council is scheduled to process the irrevocable resignation of Mayor Darío Macas Salvatierra during an extraordinary session on Friday, August 14. Macas submitted his resignation via a letter dated August 10, stating that his current legal circumstances require his absolute dedication to his defense.

Macas is currently in pretrial detention in Latacunga following an investigation into alleged illicit enrichment. His arrest occurred on July 6 during raids conducted by the Prosecutor's Office in El Oro province.

To ensure institutional and administrative continuity, Jenny Machuca Granada will continue to serve as the acting mayor. While the legal framework provided by the Organic Code of Territorial Organization, Autonomy, and Decentralization (Cootad) ensures a smooth administrative transition, political analysts suggest the resignation may create a political vacuum and a realignment of forces within the council ahead of the 2027 sectional elections.